Small businesses and why people open them. Although large corporations dominated the business scene for many decades, in recent years small businesses have once again come to the forefront of the U.S. economy. In fact, about 98 percent of the businesses in the United States have fewer than 100 employees. Small businesses are vital to the U.S. economy. By some estimates, U.S. small businesses in the aggregate would rank fourth among the world's economic powers based on the total value of goods and services they produce.

Let's look at some of the main reasons behind the increase in small business formation:

Independence and a better lifestyle. Large corporations no longer represent job security or offer as many fast-track career opportunities. Midcareer employees leave the corporate world in search of new opportunities. Many new college and business school graduates shun the corporate world altogether and start their own companies or look for work with small firms.

Personal satisfaction from work. Many small business owners cite this as one of the primary reasons for starting their companies. They love what they do.

Best route to success. Small businesses offer their owners the potential for profit. Also, business ownership provides greater advancement opportunities for women and minorities.

Rapidly changing technology. Advances in computer and telecommunications technology, as well as the sharp decrease in the cost of technology, have given individuals and small companies the power to compete in industries that were formerly closed to them. The arrival of the Internet and World Wide Web is responsible for the formation of many small businesses.

Outsourcing. As a result of downsizing, corporations often contract out with outside firms for services they used to provide in-house. This "outsourcing" creates opportunities for smaller companies, many of which offer specialized goods and services.

Major corporate restructurings and downsizings. These force many employees to look for other jobs or careers.

What is Small Business?

How many small businesses are there in the United States? In 2009, there were 27.5 million businesses in U.S., according to Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration. Small firms with fewer than 500 employees represent 99.9% of the total and as of 2007, 18,311 were large businesses. Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration.

So what makes a business "small"? As we've seen, there are different interpretations, and the range is extremely broad. Generally, though, a small business has the following characteristics:

Independently managed

Owned by an individual or a small group of investors

Based locally (although the market it serves may be widespread)

Not a dominant company (thus it has little influence in its industry)

Small businesses in the United States can be found in almost every industry group. Small businesses include the following:

Services. Service firms are the most popular category of small businesses because they are easy and low cost to start. They are often small; very few service-oriented companies are national in scope. They include repair services, restaurants, specialized software companies, accountants, travel agencies, management consultants, and temporary help agencies.

Wholesale and retail trade. Retailers sell goods or services directly to the end user. Wholesalers link manufacturers and retailers or industrial buyers; they assemble, store, and distribute products ranging from heavy machinery to produce. Most retailers also qualify as small businesses, whether they operate one store or a small chain.

Manufacturing. This category is dominated by large companies, but many small businesses produce goods. Machine shops, printing firms, clothing manufacturers, beverage bottlers, electronic equipment manufacturers, and furniture makers are often small manufacturers. In some industries, small manufacturing businesses have an advantage because they can focus on customized products that would not be profitable for large manufacturers.

Construction. They include independent builders of industrial and residential properties and thousands of contractors in such trades as plumbing, electrical, roofing, and painting.

Agricultural. Small businesses dominate agriculture-related industry, including forestry and fisheries. The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates that 99 percent of all agricultural firms have fewer than 100 employees.

The Typical American Small Business

Median number of employees

3

Median annual revenues

$150,000-$200,000

Average annual earnings of owner

$40,000

Average hours per week owner works

50.4

Percentage with Internet access

47%

Percentage that maintain a web site

35%

Source: "Profile of Typical U.S. Small Business Revealed", Business Wire (Feb. 18th, 1998)

Types of Small Businesses, By Industry

Industry

Percentage of All Small Businesses

Services

39.2%

Retail Trade

20.4%

Construction

11.8%

Finance, Insurance, Real Estate

8.0%

Wholesale Trade

7.4%

Manufacturing

6.0%

Transportation, Public Utilities

3.9%

Agriculture, Mining, Other

3.3%

Source: Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration, as reported in Statistical Abstract of the United States, 188th ed. p. 548

Advantages of Small Business

Small businesses have advantages directly related to their size:

Greater flexibility. Because most small businesses are owner-operated, they can react more quickly to changing market forces. They can develop product ideas and market opportunities without going through a lengthy approval process.

More efficient operation. Small businesses are less complex than large organizations. They have fewer employees doing things that are not directly related to producing or selling the company's product (such as accounting and legal work). Thus, they can keep their total costs down.

Greater ability to serve specialized markets. Small businesses excel in serving specialized markets. Large firms tend to focus on goods and services with an established demand and the potential for high sales.

More personal service. Another advantage of small businesses is their ability to give the personal touch. In businesses like gourmet restaurants, health clubs, fashion boutiques, and travel agencies, customers place a high value on personal attention. Through this direct relationship with customers, the owner-manager also gets feedback on how well the firm is meeting customer needs.